IMLA predicts gross mortgage lending of £130bn in 2012

IMLA conducted a member survey in December 2011, which revealed expectations for the year ahead.

Expectations for gross mortgage lending are at no more than £130bn in 2012 – the Council of Mortgage Lenders is currently predicting gross mortgage lending of £133bn for 2012.

When asked about the growth of the economy views were varied, with some members expecting a sharp recession with GDP at -2% and others relatively positive at +1.5% but on average it is expected to continue to be sluggish with GDP at 0.91%.

By the end of 2012 IMLA members expect inflation to fall materially within a range of 2% to 4%, the average view being that inflation reduces to 2.79%.

Peter Williams, executive director of IMLA, says: “The survey results may look negative but represent a realistic outlook for the year ahead and remind us that we are still in very challenging times for the economy. The mortgage market remains very limited which is why intermediaries can play such an important role to help inform consumers about the best products available and what is right for them.

“Matching lenders and products to consumers is crucial to ensure sustainable lending and improve the market. Council of Mortgage Lenders’ figures show that intermediaries accounted for nearly two thirds of sales; 64% of first-time buyer loans, 57% of remortgage loans and 52% of home mover loans, during the third quarter of 2011.”

However by 2016 members are expecting base rates to have risen to 2.83% and the average price of a UK home to be around £178.300.

Members are also confident that the role of the intermediary will remain important and expect intermediaries to hold 59% of the first-time buyer market, 60% of the remortgage market, 51% of the home mover market and 82% of the buy-to-let market by 2016.